Coronavirus: Latest Update
Covid Vaccinations
We would like to reassure you that Highcliffe Medical Centre and all the other practices in Christchurch are fully committed to the Covid vaccination programme, which is on-going in our community.
There will be large numbers in the next few weeks and we shall make contact with you to offer an appointment when it is your turn.
What is the current situation for Highcliffe?
2543 patients up to and including 24th January in the initial target group for Covid vaccine have received their vaccine. This includes nursing homes, and front line staff in healthcare.
We have over 1000 vaccines being delivered in the next week and these will be provided once again with some of our staff working extra hours at all the available vaccination sites.
Why some Covid vaccines cannot be given at Highcliffe Medical Centre?
The locations for vaccination have been centrally controlled by the NHS; Stour Surgery and Barn Surgery have been selected as the hub sites for Christchurch and many residents are being vaccinated there, including Highcliffe residents. The Pfizer vaccine is fragile and cannot be moved too often and so can only be given at these hub sites.
The Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine can be transported more easily and, when available, will be offered at Highcliffe Medical Centre and in patients' homes.
How is it happening?
Vaccine has been procured via Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and medical, nursing and reception staff have been working extra days to provide the vaccination programme.
Many of our staff have volunteered to work on their days off and their commitment to this cause has been outstanding.
When we are certain of vaccine deliveries, we are calling patients in the risk groups to book appointments.
As you can imagine, we have had no difficulty filling all our appointments and no vaccine has been wasted
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), a new illness that affects your lungs and airways
Check if you have coronavirus symptoms
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Coronavirus in children
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Links to more information about coronavirus
Links to government advice, information for health professionals and advice for other parts of the UK.
For further information go to nhs.uk/coronavirus or gov.uk/coronavirus.
ADVICE ACCURATE AS OF 16:10 24/04/2020